89 Mustang LX question

Well to convert to a 5.0 you have to change everything on the car and I mean everything. Basicly all of the stuff except for the chassis. That includes suspenstion, brakes, computer, guages, transmission, rearend. Anything that moves and some stuff that doesnt.

It wouldnt make much difference at all if any. And same with the exaust it may give it a better sound but I doubt it would give any better performance. If you do decide to change the exaust you will have to fabricate your own system. I've already checked with all the companies and non make a system for the 2.3L unless it is the SVO (2.3L turbo). By the way I have an 86 Mustang LX 4banger so I already asked these questions thats how I know the Answers

Well, it looks like I'm not alone in my quest for more power. I have that website bookmared, but it's a bit of a mixed blessing to see that I should start putting high octane fuel in my Stang -- on one hand, it's nice to know that I need only take such a simple step to see a difference in performance, and on the other hand, the high octane stuff is too expensive out here in California! But I'll have to spend a couple extra bucks -- it's worth it. Thanks for your help Robert.

D. W. Desmond

*For the worst in everything, visit vocephus.com* "Now I want you to remember that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country."

--Gen. George S. Patton

Asking about changing engines and you're worried about the cost of putting high octane fuel into your current engine instead?

Don't get it.

Ha ha, well -- I'm not looking to change engines anytime soon, you know. I'm broke, so that wouldn't happen til several months down the line. Now gas, I need that now...

Oh, one more thing to anyone who might have some input -- my auto-lock mechanism is busted, which is fine, but the passenger side door won't even lock! If I had to I wouldn't mind just living without the auto-lock, but I think making sure I can at least MANUALLY lock the passenger door is a good idea -- if this kind of repair something I can attempt myself (with the help of an auto manual), or should I take it to a mechanic/specialist? Thanks. D. W. Desmond

*For the worst in everything, visit vocephus.com* "Now I want you to remember that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country."

--Gen. George S. Patton

This is a popular mod that I've seen featured in several Mustang magazines in the past. You will in addition to the engine need to change the computer, the exhaust, the bellhousing, and the motor mounts. Possibly more, I've never done it myself so I can't be very specific. I believe the best bet would be to get a junked 5.0 of your same year or something close and take everything you need out of there.

I run a K&N in my 86 GT, but only because I like the idea of an air filter with a lifetime warranty. As for difference in performance, I'd say little if any, especially on a 4 cylinder. A performance exhaust would certainly make your car /sound/ more powerful, but I doubt it will be the magic bullet that turns your 4 banger into an 11 second machine.

This exact problem is being discussed right now in a different thread with the subject "Door lock mechanism problem" and is probably still viewable on your news server. But the short answer is yes, you can do it yourself, and really don't even need a shop manual to go along with it... although if you are thinking about doing much work on your vehicle, you should go over to

and order the real Ford manuals for the thing. The task might be a bit much to take on if you've never done any work at all given the added complexity of the door being jammed, but it certainly isn't one of the more difficult tasks on a Mustang. And besides, it requires taking off the door panel, which makes for a good excuse to upgrade your door stereo speakers while you're at it! And stereo work is always a good introduction to the ways of the car work world.

Bryan

New actuator is needed. Mine stopped working and gradually it got to the point you couldn't push down the lock nor get the key to work.

Dave

mechanic/specialist?

Yeah, I did view the other thread and picked up on the actuator element -- thanks for the info, it will be useful.

(also thanks to Bryan for your help) Cheers.

D. W. Desmond

*For the worst in everything, visit vocephus.com* "Now I want you to remember that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country."

--Gen. George S. Patton